Likud, Lieberman poised to sign agreement

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Avigdor Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu party reportedly is expected to sign a coalition agreement with Likud on Thursday.

Citing Likud sources close to the coalition negotiations, the Israeli daily Ha’aretz said the parties have smoothed differences over the appointment of the justice minister — apparently the final stumbling block to a coalition deal — and said Likud is waiting for Lieberman’s final approval of the deal.

But Yisrael Beiteinu lawmaker David Rotem told Ynet Wednesday that significant disagreements still persist on issues related to civil marriages and conversion to Judaism.

Negotiating teams for the two parties are scheduled to meet Thursday to draft the agreement.